Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
What to do and see in Springfield, Illinois (IL): The Best Nature & Parks
The spirit of the "Land of Lincoln" is nowhere else so alive as it is in Springfield, one time home to old Honest Abe himself and present home of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. The NAACP also holds Springfield at its roots, having formed after a particularly bloody race riot here in 1908.
Restaurants in Springfield
1. Southwind Park
2. Lincoln Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
A native woodland garden designed by Jens Jensen located on the south side of Lake Springfield. This 100 acre site has 6 miles of wood-chipped hiking trails as well as a wonderful nature center.
Reviewed By TRW53
I live 10 miles from Starved Rock State Park (where I have been a trail guide) and am even closer to Matthiessen SP, which means that some of the most gorgeous hiking venues in the entire state are practically in my back yard. So why do I even hike here, over 100 miles from home? I discovered this amazing place on my way home from a trip to the St. Louis area and it is now a must-stop either on my way to or home from the St. Louis area. I have some orthopedic issues and appreciate that I can satisfy my hiking need without having to strap on heavy-duty knees braces, as the elevation changes are not that severe. One can hike through the woods and then enjoy views of Lake Springfield. The visitor center has restroom facilities, a small gift shop, and very helpful and friendly volunteers. PLEASE NOTE: During the COVID-19 closure, the center will be closed. my last stop was in November or December 2019, so I'm not even certain that the trails are open right now. You will need to check with officials.
3. Washington Park Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Garden consisting of 9,000 square feet of greenhouse area and a conservatory featuring more than 150 species of tropical plants.
Reviewed By 109jaxc - Chicago, United States
It was a really beautiful garden. Despite it's small size, it was quite lovely. Very enjoyable experience, Highly recommend it if you like flowers and plants.
4. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By robint408 - Blue Island, United States
We are bird watchers so we had to stop and check it out. Unfortunately the building is closed due to covid but we were able to walk some of the trails. The weather wasn't great but we saw some wildlife. We enjoyed it.
5. Ergadoozy Creative Play Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Ergadoozy is a creative play center for kids 12 & under. We have 2 creative play spaces set up for exploration of various toys. A 5 level jungle climber with tubes & slides gives a chance to run off steam. There is also a projection game room, where children play active games on the floor. The foamball shooter room is fun for the older kids. Entry fee is a day pass.
Reviewed By mayestraveler - New Berlin, United States
Our kids love the park, but when it is tooo cold outside to play ergadoozy is awesome. There are play areas for all ages. This is not a placed where your kids play and you just watch, you can play with them and it is really enjoyable. There is plenty of seating for adults that just want to watch. Great price to pay for your child and adult is free. After an afternoon of play the kids crash fast! This place also is clean for all the kids running around the baby and toddler areas do not smell like diapers and they even have a bucket to put yucky toys.
6. Washington Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Birthday-Gal - Springfield, United States
Walking, playing, leaf peeping, listing to the massive Carrillon bells or going to one of the festivals held there from art, crafts, carving the pumpkins, the lit pumpkins, the rose garden and more. Make a stop and enjoy!
7. Union Square Park
8. Lincoln Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Dawnie_Bird - Springfield, United States
Outdoor swimming pool, ice skating, play grounds, great safe place to run or walk. Ultimate Frisbee course. Beautiful pond. Very close to Lincoln's Tomb so if you are looking for a good picnic spot in Springfield, this is it.
9. Union Square Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 490irinag - Illinois, United States
Union Square Park is a very attractive site to visit, even in winter. It is spacious and modern, well-designed and beautifully landscaped. Union Square Park is the site, where The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum are located. There are some very memorable sculptures in the park: in the front part of the park there stands a large bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln, called 'A Greater Task' (sculptor John McClarey), the sculpture was dedicated in 2006. There's also a very striking abstract composition in the park -- by sculptor Preston Jackson, that is called 'Acts of Intolerance' (2008), commemorating the Springfield Race Riot of 1908. It was a brief, but useful introduction to the Union Square Park, that is located in the Central Historic District of the city.
10. Henson Robinson Zoo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 151 reviews
More than 300 animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, North and South America call this popular zoo home.
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